Astana

Capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan

The city of Astana was founded in 1830 as the Russian border fortress of Akmolа in the northeast of the Kazakh Steppe. During the Soviet era, amid the Virgin Lands campaign, the city was renamed Tselinograd, turning it into the administrative center of the Virgin Lands region. After Kazakhstan gained independence, the city was restored to its historic name, Akmola, and in 1997 the country's capital was moved here from Almaty. The following year, the city was renamed Astana (“capital” in Kazakh), and it began to be rapidly developed with futuristic skyscrapers designed by renowned architects from around the world. In 2019, in honor of the first president, Nursultan Nazarbayev, the city was renamed Nur-Sultan for several years; however, in 2022, its historic name, Astana, was restored. The city's population exceeds 1.6 million people

1830

Founding of the Akmola fortress

1961

Renamed Tselinograd

1992

Restoration of the name Akmola

1997

Relocation of Kazakhstan's capital from Almaty

1998

Renamed Astana

2019

Renamed Nur-Sultan

2022

Restoration of the name Astana

News by theme

Kazakhstan has introduced paid entry permits for Russians

Starting November 30, 2026, Russians will need a paid electronic permit to enter Kazakhstan. In the absence of the document, deportation is possible.

Politics • September 6, 04:15 AM • 11124 views

Tokayev proposed to Putin to "freeze" the war in Ukraine and return to the Istanbul formula

President of Kazakhstan Tokayev at a forum in Omsk proposed to "freeze" the Russian-Ukrainian war. He also called Ukrainians and Russians "brotherly peoples" and expressed condolences over the loss of life.

Politics • July 25, 05:31 PM • 11858 views

Kazakhstan is ready to host Iranian uranium stockpiles subject to a nuclear deal

Kazakhstan is ready to accept Iranian uranium to facilitate a nuclear deal with the US. The IAEA supports the idea, but Tehran is currently opposed to the export of the fuel.

Politics • June 2, 10:22 AM • 4551 views

Lukashenko to Armenians: You must be very careful not to repeat what happened in Ukraine

Lukashenko urged Armenia not to rush into withdrawing from the EAEU for the sake of the European Union. He warned of the risk of repeating the "Ukrainian scenario" due to political games.

Politics • June 1, 04:31 AM • 25016 views

Moscow has recalled its ambassador from Armenia "for consultations"

The Russian Foreign Ministry has summoned Ambassador Sergei Kopyrkin to Moscow due to Armenia's rapprochement with the EU. Putin is threatening tariff hikes and restrictions for Armenian workers.

News of the World • May 30, 04:25 PM • 11784 views

Russia threatens Armenia with sanctions over rapprochement with the EU; the issue will be discussed at Putin's summit

At the EAEU summit, Putin will discuss sanctions against Armenia due to its course toward the EU. Moscow is already restricting the import of goods and threatening to revise gas prices.

Politics • May 29, 05:00 AM • 5289 views

Zelenskyy received Naftogaz report – Ukraine is working on the seizure of Russian assets in 10 jurisdictions

A court in Kazakhstan has authorized the recovery of $1. 4 billion from Gazprom. Ukraine is working on the seizure of Russian assets in ten jurisdictions and is cooperating with the EU.

Economy • May 21, 10:59 AM • 3091 views

Kazakhstan has allowed Naftogaz to forcibly recover 1.4 billion from Gazprom

A court in Astana has allowed the forced recovery of 1. 4 billion dollars from Gazprom. This is the first foreign decision regarding the enforcement of an arbitration award against the Russian company.

Economy • May 20, 04:58 PM • 10285 views